Italy has suspended its defense cooperation agreement with Israel, a pact lasting over two decades. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the decision citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and recent incidents involving UN peacekeepers.
The suspension follows accusations that Israeli forces fired warning shots at an Italian UN convoy in Lebanon, and criticism of attacks on Lebanese civilians. Italy, previously a strong ally of Israel, has expressed growing anger over Israeli aggression in the region.
A diplomatic source indicated maintaining the agreement would have been politically challenging. The move comes amid a wider conflict and rising tensions, with concerns over the impact on oil and gas prices. President Trump has criticized Italy’s position.